Method and apparatus for mixing dissimilar types of fibers



0t.31,1967 G, SHAW ETAL 3,350,069

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MIXING DISSIMILARTYPES OF FIBERS MORGAN,FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8| PINE ATTORNEYS Oct. 31, 1967 G. SHAW ETAL 3,350,069

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MIXING DISSIMILAR TYPES OF FIBERS 5Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 29, 1964 `nvvmvToRs GILBERT SHAW CHARLES H.ANDI-:RsowfJ BY MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8: PINE ATTORNEYS Oct. 3l, 1967G. SHAW ETAL 3,350,069

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MIXING DISSIMILAR TYPES OF FIB Filed Dec. 29,1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 I NVENTORS /Z MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8x PINEATTORNEYS i GILBERT S W Y CHARLES H. ANDE N,Jr.

G. SHAW ETAL.

oct. 3,1, 1967 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MIX-ING DISSIMILAR TYPES OFFIBERS 5 SheetsSheet 4 Filed Dec. 29, 1964 INVENTORS GILBERT SHAWCHARLES H. ANDERSONJr.

- BY MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8x PINE ATTORNEYS Oct. 31, 1967 G. SHAWETAL 3,350,059

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MIXING DISSIMILAR TYPES OE FIBERS 5Sheets-Sheet 5 `Filed Dec.

FIG. 9

INVENTORS GILBERT SHAW CHARLES H. ANDERSOMJYl E m D 8 M A H R U D N, A GE N m F Y B N A G R O M ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,350,069ME'I'HGD AND APPARATUS FOR MIXING DISSIMILAR TYPES F FIBERS GilbertShaw, Middlebury, Vt. 05753, and Charles H. Anderson, Jr., Shorllam,Vt.; said Anderson assignor to said Shaw Filed Dec. 29, 1964, Ser. No.421,938 15 Claims. (Cl. 259-54) This invention relates to a novel methodand apparatus for mixing dissimilar types of fibers. By dissimilar typesof fibers is meant the fibers have at least one differingcharacteristic; for example, color, size, shape, chemical composition,and so forth.

More particularly, this invention relates to a technique for treating abundle of at least two dissimilar types of fibers arranged,side-by-side, in a random distribution over the cross-sectional area ofsaid bundle, to obtain a more uniform distribution of said dissimilartypes of fibers over said cross-sectional area.

In many applications, it is often desirable to use a combination offibers of differing characteristics. For example, in the brush industry,in producing a multi-color brush, a combination of fibers of differentcolors is employed. O-bviously, for .appearance sake, it is desirablethat the multicolor bundle of fibers used in the brush generally have auniform distribution of the different colored fibers over thecross-sectional area of said bundle. In like manner, for economicreasons, it is often desir-able to blend expensive, high-performancefibers with less expensive, lower-performance fibers. lIn such instance,in order that the bundle of fibers of the brush exhibit good overallperformance 'and balance of properties, it is important that a generallyuniform distribution of the more expensive fibers with the lessexpensive fibers over the cross-sectional -area of said bundle isobtained.

Prior to this invention, the techniques employed for obtaining a moreuniform distribution of dissimilar types of fibers over across-sectional area of a bundle of fibers have been cumbersome,time-consuming and costly.

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in parthereinafter and in part will be obvious herefrom or may be learned bypractice with the invention, the same being realized and attained bymeans of the steps, methods, combinations and improvements discussedherein.

The invention consists in the novel steps, methods,

combinations and improvements herein shown and described. Y

An object of this invention is to provide an improved method forobtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilar types of fibersover'the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fibers, comprising saiddissimilar types of fibers arranged side-'by-side, in a randomdistribution over said cross-sectional area.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved method forobtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilar types of verticallydisposed fibers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fiberscontaining dissimilar types of fibers in a simple, efficient andrelatively inexpensive manner.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus forcarrying ont intimate mixing of fibers of differing characteristics inan effective, simple and inexpensive manner.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel method for mixinga plurality of elongated, vertically disposed fibers of differingcharacteristics.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a novel method formixing cut lengths of synthetic fibers, particularly useful as brushfibers, to obtain blends of fibers'of differing characteristics; forexample,l color,

chemical composition, lengths, diameters, forth.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide an improvedmethod for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilar types ofcut length synthetic fibers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle offibers comprising sets of cut length fibers of dissimilar types.

A further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus forcarrying out the methods mentioned in the foregoing objects.

In general, it has been found that one may obtain a more uniformdistribution of dissimilar types of fibers over the cross-sectional areaof -a bundle of fibers containing the same, by imparting to at leastsome of the fibers of said bundle, 'along the length of the fibers,tangential forces in planes transverse to the longitudinal axes of thefibers. The aforementioned tangential forces may be referred to astangential defiecting forces. This force causes translation of saidfibers in said transverse planes and rotation of said fibers about theirlongitudinal axes.

A particularly useful technique for carrying out the method of thisinvention comprises the following steps:

(a) Supporting a bundle of at least two dissimilar types of fibers onend with the fibers thereof loosely confined in a generally uprightposition;

(b) Imparting gyratory motion in the cross-sectional plane of saidbundle, to at least some of said members; and

(c) Causing at least some of said members in gyratory motion to bedeflected intermittently from one path of gyration into another vbyintermittently imparting a tangential deffecting force to said membersin their plane of gyration.

Specific apparatus that may be used for carrying out the aforedescribedtechnique comprises bin means adapted to support a bundle of fibers invertically-disposed position; means for imparting to said bin meansmovement in a gyratory path in a plane transverse to the longitudinalaxes of the fibers when supported in said bin, and an elongated mixermeans disposed above said bin means and adapted to be disposed amongfibers supported in the bin in parallel relationship thereto said mixermeans being in a fixed position when disposed among the fibers.

In employing the above mentioned apparatus in carrying ont the method ofthis invention, the elongated mixer means is disposed among the bundleof fibers supported in the bin with the fibers in the bin looselyconfined and in a generally upright position. There is imparted to thebin, by means of the bin supporting means, movement in a gyratory pathin a plane transverse to the longitudinal -axes of the fibers supportedin the bin. This movement results in imparting gyratory motion in a-cross sectional plane of the bundle of fibers as they are supported inthe bin.

Since the elongated mixer means is stationary, while the fibers arecaused to move in a gyratory path, as mentioned above, there is alsorelative movement of the fibers with respect to the elongated mixermeans. As certain of the moving fibers strike against the elongatedstationary mixer means, there is imparted thereto a tangentialdefiecting force in their plane of gyration. This causes the fibers towhich the tangential force is applied to be defiected intermittentlyfrom one path of gyration into another. As indicated heretofore, as thedeflecting tangential force is applied to the fibers, translation of thefibers in planes transverse to the longitudinal axes of the fibersoccurs, as well as rotation of the fibersabout their longitudinal axes.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the field, from the detaileddescription of the blender embodiment illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, the means for imshapes, and so parting movement to the bin ina gyratory path includes support means below the bin to which the bin isxedly mounted and means, including lever means in association withypower means, for imparting to the bin sup porting means, simultaneouslinear motions in directions transverse to the longitudinal axes of thefibers and at right angles to each other. The result of the simultaneouslinear motions which are imparted to the bin is that the movement of thebin creates a pattern of motion whose path may be generally described asbeing elliptical.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention referred to above, thegyratory motion imparted to the bin is circular in nature as the binmoves in a generally elliptical path. It should be understood, however,that the present invention includes modifications of the preferredembodiment wherein gyratory motion is such that the bin moves in a pathother than elliptical, such, for example, wherein a curvilinear motionis imparted to the bin such that the bin moves in a circular path; orwherein the gyratory motion imparted to the bin is rectilinear in natureso that the bin moves in a generally rectangular path; or wherein thegyratory motion to the bin is of a random nature so that the lbin movesin an odd-shaped path.

As an alternative modification to the embodiment mentioned above anddescribed hereinafter in detail, instead of imparting gyratory motion tothe bin while keeping the elongated mixer means stationary, one mayimpart a tangential defiecting force to the fibers `by causing theelongated mixer means to move in a gyratory path while maintaining theliber-supporting bin stationary.

The embodiment of the invention will become more clear by discussing theinvention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In FIGURE 1 there is shown a front elevation view of the preferredblender of this invention. As will be readily apparent from the detaileddescription of the blender, it comprises a bin for supporting a bundleof fibers, support means 'below the bin for supporting the bin means,including lever means and power means, for imparting gyratory motion tothe bin support means transverse to the longitudinal axes of the fiberssupported in said bin, and an elongated mixer means disposed -above saidlbin which is adapted to be disposed among the fibers supported in thebin in parallel relationship thereto.

FIGURE 2 is a plane view of the blender of FIGURE 1 taken along thelines 2-2 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is an elevational fragmentary view taken along lines 3-3 ofFIGURE 2 illustrating the unit used in effecting linear movement of thebin supporting means in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIGURE2.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the fiber-supportingbin and the bin supporting means.

FIGURE 5 is an isometric view of the elongated mixer means in the forrnof a plurality of rows of pins; a support for the mixer means, thefiber-supporting bin, and the means for supporting said bin.

FIGURE 6 is an isometric view of the power drive system used inconjunction with lever means for imparting simultaneous motions to thebin supporting means in directions at right angles to each other wherebythe bin, fixedly supported on said supporting means gyrates in anelliptical path in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axes of fibersvertically disposed in said bin.

FIGURES 7 and 8 are plane View of lever systems use'd in conjunctionwith the power drive units for imparting linear movements to the -binsupporting means in directions at right angles to each other.

FIGURE 9 is a schematic view showing the displacement of the binsupporting means in both linear directions, the result of which is apath of motion which may be generally described as elliptical.

FIGURES 10-14 are schematic views illustrating the movement of fibers asthey are subjected to a tangential deflection force in accordance withthe principles of this invention.

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings in order to describein detail the blender of FIGURES 1-8.

As best shown in FIGURES 1 and 5 the blender is comprised of laframework 8 formed preferably of angleshaped members including fourupright corner members 10, 12, 14, 16, four horizontal top members 18,20, 22, 24 and intermediate horizontal braces 26, 28, 30 and 32.

M z'xer head and elongated mixer means As shown in FIGURES 1 and 5,fixed to frame members 24 and 30 between sides 18 and 22 is a vertical,preferably square support 34 which projects upwardly from framework 8.Slidably mounted on support 34 for vertical movement relative to the topof framework 8 is a mixing pin head 36 to which is fixed elongated mixermeans in the form of a plurality of spaced mixing lpins 38. Pins 38depend downwardly from head 36 toward the top of framework 8 and arepreferably evenly spaced apart and in equally-spaced rows on head 36. Inthe preferred embodiment, head 36, as viewed from the front of themachine, includes three rows of seven evenlyspaced pins 38 in each row.

Head 36 is fixed by means of rod 39 to a collar 40 slidably carried onsupport 34. Thumbscrews 42 are adapted to secure collar 40 and head 36in any selected position along support 34.

Bin supporting means As shown in FIGURE 5, co-operating with pin head 36is a fiber support table, designated generally 44 which includes abottom plate 46, a fixed endv plate 48, adjacent side member 22 and apivotable end plate 50 adjacent side 18. As will be readily apparentfrom the discussion which follows hereinlater, table 44 is an importantelement of the means for supporting bins which support bundles of fiberson end in a generally upright position. To mount plate 50, bottom plate46 includes a pair of spaced extensions 52 and 54 at each side thereof,while side plate 50 has formed thereof spaced legs 56 and 58. A pivotrod 60 rotatably carried in extensions 52 and 54, is secured at the endsthereof to legs 56 and 58, thus pivotally secu-ring plate 50 to bottomplate 46.

Fixed to plate 50 `and forming a part thereof are spaced upright plates62, 64, 66 and 68 connected by crosspiece 70. Plates 62 and 64co-operate with spaced grooves 72 and 74 on end plate 48 to define onefiber mixing zone A; plates 64 and 66 co-operate with spaced grooves 76and 78 to define a second fiber mixing zone B while plates 66 and 68co-operate with grooves 80 and 82 to define a third fiber mixing zone C.Zones A, B and C correspond to the number of rows of mixing pins 38.

Bin means Containers for the cut fibers are generally channelshaped withone end open. Preferably, the containers include a bottom 84, and an end86 and sides 88 and 90 are adapted to hold the fibers to be mixed in agenerally vertical position with the longitudinal axes of the elongatedfibers disposed in parallel relationship relative to pins 38 when thecontainers are in operative position on table 44. In the position ontable 44, each container which contains a bundle of at least twodissimilar type of fibers, is located in an associated mixing zone A, B,and C with end plate 86 thereof against plate 50 and between associatedplates 62-64; 64-66; or 66-68. The leading edges 89 and 91 of sides 88and 90, respectively, are disposed in associated grooves 72-74; 76-78;or 80-82, depending on the mixing zones. Thus the containers aresecurely held in .position on table 44. j

It will be understood that plate 50 and its associated members arepivotally mounted to plate 46 to facilitate the loading and unloading ofcontainers on table 44.

As shown in FIGURES 4 and 5, to maintain plate 50 in operative uprightposition, there is provided a spring member 92 anchored at one end tofixed end plate 48. The other end of spring 92 is removably secured toan anchor 94 on plate 50 resiliently urging plate 50 into operativeupright position.

From the above description it is seen that the position of plate 48 inassociation with each container and the plates of each container, whichenclose a bundle of fibers, forms fiber-supporting bin means forsupporting a bundle of at least two dissimilar types of fibers at oneend with the fibers loosely confined in a generally upright position. Inthe particular embodiment illustrated, three bin means, or bins, areprovided for supporting three bundles of fibers, each bundle having atleast two dissimilar types of fibers.

Means for imparting gyratory motion to bin supporting means As bestshown in FIGURES 2 and 8, table 44 is mounted for simultaneousreciprocating movement in linear directions of arrows A and B, FIGURES 2and 8. To adapt table 44 for such movement, bottom plate 46 is providedwith depending flanges 96 and 98 at each side thereof adjacent top framemembers 18 and 22, respectively. Fixed to flange 96 is a mounting plate100 while a second mounting plate 102 is secured to flange 98. A pair ofspaced support shafts 104 and 106 are suitably mounted at each end inplates 100 and 102, flanges 96 and 98.

As shown in FIGURES 2, 7 and 8, intermediate their ends, shafts 104 and106 pass axially through associated sleeves 108 and 110, respectively,which are preferably bronze-lined to slidably accommodate shafts 104 and106 therein. Sleeves 108 and 110 are fixed to the top face 112 of aplate 114 disposed between fianges 96 and 98 beneath bottom plate 46,and adapts -table 44 for movement in the linear direction of arrows B(see FIGURES 2 and 8).

As shown in FIGURE 2, plate 114 is provided with a rotatable rollerelement 116, 118, 120 and 122 at each corner thereof. Rollers 116 and118 are adapted for travel in a roller track 124 while rollers 120 and122 are adapted to travel in roller track 126. Tracks 124 and 126,preferably channel-shaped, are mounted in spaced relationship with oneend of each track fixed to frame member 24 while the other end of eachtrack is secured to a frame cross-member 128 intermediate and parallelto top frame members 20 and 24.

As best shown in FIGURE 6, to move rollers 116-122 back and forth intheir associated tracks 124 and 126 motivating table 44 in the directionof arrow B, plate 114 is provided with a hub member 130 pivotallycarrying a transverse shaft member 132. One end 134 .of a crank arm 136is pivotally secured to the projecting end 138 of shaft 132. The otherend of crank arm 136 is fixed to and rotatable with a circular crank cam140 mounted on one end of a crank shaft 142.

It will be understood that clockwise rotation of cam 140 causes rod 136to Vreciprocate back and forth, thus moving plate 114 and its associatedelements back and forth in the direction of arrow B, FIGURE 8.

To adapt table 44 for movement in the direction of arrow (see FIGURES 7and 8), plate 100 has fixed thereto a block 144 which rotatably carriesa downwardly depending shaft 146 on the end .of which is mounted aroller 148 (see FIGURE 3). Roller 148 rides in an accommodating slot 150in the end 152 of a pivoting rod 154. The other end 156 -of rod 154 isrotatably mounted on a pivot pin 160 and rests on a bearing block 158 onframe member 18 adjacent frame member 20 (see FIGURE 1).

As shown in FIGURES 7 and 8, rod 154 is also pivotally secured adjacentits midpoint to one end of an operating bar 162 and is seated adjacentthereto on a second bearing block 164 on frame member 18. The .other end166 of bar 162 is eccentrically pinned lby pin 168 to a rotatingeccentric 170, secured off-center to the output of gear reducer 172.

In FIGURES 1 and 8 rotation of the output shaft 200 of gear reducer 172in turn rotates eccentric 170. Eccentric rotation of member in turnmoves operating bar 162 back and forth, pivoting rod 154 about pin 160in the direction of the arrows (see FIGURE 8). With roller 148 riding inslot 150, rotation of rod 154 back and forth about pin 160 moves table44 back and forth in the direction of arrows A (see FIGURES 7 and S). Itwill be understood that while rod 154 actually is pivoted in an arcuatepath, the amount of movement of end 152 is comparatively small comparedto the length .of rod 154. In addition, since rod 154 is relativelylong, the movement of end 152 thereof is essentially linear. Thus table44 is adapted to travel in the direction of arrows A substantiallytransverse to its direction of travel indicated by arrows B. However, itshould be understood that simultaneous movement in the directions ofarrows A and B results in a path of motion which may be generallydescribed as elliptical.

Power means To travel table 44 back and forth in the directions ofarrows A and B, there is provided a source of power such as electricdrive motor 174 connected to a suitable source of electrical power (seeFIGURES 1 and 6). Output shaft 176 of motor 174 is provided with apulley or sheave 178 around which is trained an endless belt 180. Theother end of belt 180 passes around a second pulley 182 fixed to the endof the input shaft 184 of gear reducer 186 which preferably has a 6:1reduction ratio. Output shaft 188 of gear reducer 186 has mountedthereon a sprocket 190 about which is trained an endless drive chain192. The other end of chain 192 passes around a second sprocket 194fixed to the free end of input shaft 196 of a second grear reducer 172which preferably has a 200:1 reduction ratio and whose output shaft 200eccentrically supports member 170 to effect rotation of rod 154 asdescribed hereinabove. To provide for adjustment of the tension in chain192, there is furnished a tensioning sprocket 193 pivotally carried inengagement with chainV 192 on the end of a pivotable lever arm 195secured to the machine frame.

Also mounted on shaft 188 in common with sprocket 190 is a secondsprocket 202. Endless chain 204 is trained around sprocket 202 and alsopasses around a second sprocket 206 fixed to the end of cam shaft 142remote from cam 140 thereon. Shaft 142 is rotatably supportedintermediate its ends in a suitable Ibearing housing 208 mounted on asupport plate 210 (see FIGURE 2) fixed as by welding to frame members 20and 128.

In operation, energization of motor 174, rotates output shaft 176thereof traveling belt 180 about rotating pulleys 178 and 182. This inturn rotates shaft 184 of reducer 186 to `drive output shaft 188thereof. As shaft 188 rotates, chains 192 and 204 are likewise driventhrough their respective sprockets 190 and 202 to rotate sprockets 194and 206 associated therewith.

Rotation of sprocket 194 and its related shaft 196 in turn rotates shaft200 to revolve member 170, thus pivoting rod 154 about pivot pin 160moving table 44 back and forth in the direction of arrows A, FIGURES 7and 8.

Simultaneously, rotation of sprocket v206 and its related shaft 142effects rotation of cam 140, moving crank arm 136 back and forth,travelling table 44 back and forth, in the direction of arrows B, FIGURE8.

A diagram showing the limits of cross-linear movements of table 44 inthe directions of arrows A and arrows B is shown in FIGURE 9. As willthus be seen, the resultant path of movement generally describes anellipisis.

7 Mode of operation In obtaining a more uniform distribution ofdissimilar types of bers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle offibers the following operation is used, employing the apparatus ofFIGURES 1- 8.

It should be understood that the particular embodiments showed permitsimproving uniform distribution with three bundles of fibers, each bundlehaving at least two dissimilar types of fibers. Of course, modificationsmay be made to accommodate a single bundle, or any reasonable number ofbundles, depending upon the available bin space.

Looking at FIGURE 5, three bundles of fibers are supported on one end ina generally upright position in mixing zones A, B and C, respectively.Pin head 36 is lowered so that the three rows of pins 38, respectively,are disposed among the fibers in mixing zones A, B and C, respectively,said pins being parallel to the vertically disposed fibers.

In the manner described hereinabove, Table 44 is simultaneouslysubjected to linear directions A and B (see FIGURE 2). This results inimparting to said table (and to the bin and fibers contained therein)gyratory movement in an elliptical path in a plane transverse to thelongitudinal axes of the fibers. As the gyrating fibers contact thefixed pins, there is intermittently imparted to said fibers a tangentialdefiecting force in the -plane of gyration. This causes the fiberssubjected to such defiecting forces to deect intermittently from onepath of gyration into another.

FIGURES -14 illustrate schematic-ally the relative movement of thefibers A, B, C and D with respect to a mixing pin 38 when subjected tothe method of this invention. The arrow in the center of the mixing pin38 describes an arc in conformance with the combination of thesimultaneous linear movements of the fibers resulting in gyratorymovement thereof in the manner described hereinabove in detail.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specificsteps, methods, combinations and improvements described but departuresmay be made therefrom within the scope of the accompanying claimswithout departing from the principles of this invention and withoutsacrificing its chief advantages. For example, the principles of thisinvention include imparting a reciprocating motion to the bundle offibers instead of a gyratory motion, although the efficiency of mixingis much less effective than when a gyratory motion is imparted to thefibers.

What is claimed is:

1. A method for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilartypes of fibers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fiberscontaining the same, comprising: supporting the bundle of fibers at oneend with the fibers thereof loosely confined in a generally uprightcondition; land, imparting to the fibers, along the length thereof,tangential forces in planes transverse to the longitudinal axes of thefibers while maintaining the fibers so confined, to thereby obtain amore uniform distribution of the dissimilar types of fibers.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the fibers are cut to lengthsynthetic fibers.

3. A method for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilartypes of fibers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fiberscontaining the same, comprising: supporting the bundle of fibers at oneend with the fibers thereof loosely confined in a generally uprightposition; imparting gyratory motion in a cross-sectional plane of saidbundle to said fibers while maintaining the fibers so confined, and,causing at least some of said loosely confined fibers in gyratory motionto be defiected intermittently from one path of gyration into another byintermittently imparting a tangential deliccting force to said gyratingfibers in their plane of gyration, to there- 8 by obtain a more uniformdistribution of the dissimilar types of fibers.

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the fibers are cut to lengthsynthetic fibers.

5. A method according to claim 3 wherein gyratory motion is imparted tosaid fibers by subjecting the fibers to simultaneous linear motions indirections transverse to the longitudinal axes of the fibers and atright angles to each other.

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the fibers in gyratory motionare caused to be defiected by contact with an elongated rigid mixermember disposed among the fibers which imparts the tangential force tosaid gyrating fibers in their plane of gyration.

7. A blender for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilartypes of fibers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fiberscontaining the same, comprising: means for supporting a bundle of fibersat one end with the fibers thereof loosely confined in a generallyupright position; and means for imparting to the fibers, along thelength thereof, tangential forces in planes transverse to thelongitudinaly axes of the fibers while the fibers are maintained in saidsupporting and confining means, to thereby obtain a more uniformdistribution of the dissimilar types of fibers over the cross-sectional-area thereof.

8. A blender for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilartypes of fibers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fiberscontaining the same, comprising: means for supporting a bundle of fibersat one end with the fibers thereof loosely confined in a generallyupright position; means for imparting gyratory motion in across-sectional plane of said bundle, to at least some of the fibers;and, means for causing at least some of the fibers in gyratory motion tobe defiected intermittently from one path `of gyration into another,including means for imparting a tangential defiecting force to thegyrating fibers in their plane of gyration.

9. A blender for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilartypes of fibers over the cross-sectional area lof a bundle of fiberscontaining the same comprising: bin means for supporting ya bundle offibers at one end with the fibers thereof loosely confined in agenerally upright position, means for imparting to said bin meansmovement in a gyratory path in a plane transverse to the longitudinalaxes of fibers vertically disposed in said bin, and an elongated mixermeans disposed above said bin means and adapted to be disposed amongvertically disposed fibers supported in the bin in parallel relationshipthereto, said mixer means being in a fixed position when disposed amongthe fibers.

10. A blender according to claim 9 wherein the elongated mixer meanscomprises: a plurality of spaced mixing pins supported by a pin head anddepending downwardly therefrom.

11. A blender according to claim 9 wherein the bin means includes acontainer adapted to support fibers in vertically disposed position,said container having one end open and comprising: a bottom, opposingsides and an end position extending vertically from said bottom, thefree edges of said side portions being disposed in associated grooves ina vertical plate poistioned opposite the vertical end position of thecontainer.

12. A blender according to claim 11 wherein the bin means includes aplurality of spaced containers, and wherein the vertical plate, in whosegrooves the free edges of each side portion is disposed, firmlymaintains the containers in a fixed position.

13. A blender for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilartypes of fibers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fiberscomprising: bin means for supporting a plurality, horizontally spaced,of bundles of fibers at one end with the fibers of each bundle looselyconfined in a generally upright position, each of said bundles beingconfined in a bin including a container having one end open andcomprising a bottom, opposing sides and end portion extending verticallyfrom said bottom, the free edges of the side portions of each containerbeing disposed in associated grooves in a common vertical plate, andmeans for imparting to said bin means movement in a gyratory path in aplane transverse to the longitudinal axes of fibers vertically disposedin said bin means, to thereby obtain a more uniform distribution of thedissimilar types of bers therein.

14. A blender according to claim 13 wherein the bin means is supportedby means including table means positioned beneath said bin means andconnected thereto, and said means for imparting gyratory movement tosaid bin means including means for causing simultaneous linear movementof said table in directions transverse to the longitudinal axes of berssupported in said bin means and at right angles to each other,positioned opposite to the vertical end portions of the container; a pinhead spaced above said bin means, said pin head having dependingtherefrom rows of plurality of spaced mixing pins, the number of saidrows corresponding to the number of bins of the bin means, each row ofpins adapted to be disposed among vertically disposed bers,

supported in the corresponding bin in parallel relationship thereto,said row of pins being in a i'lxed position when disposed among thebers; and, means for imparting to said bin means movement in a gyratorypath in a plane of gyration.

15. A blender according to claim 14 wherein the means for causingsimultaneous movement of the table in said linear directions is a levermeans in association with said table and power means in associationswith said lever means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 798,380 8/ 1905 Alexander 300-212,643,158 6/1953 Baldanza 300-21 3,136,582 6/1964 Locher et al. 300-19FOREIGN PATENTS 15,661 5/ 1906 Norway.

i WALTER A. SCHEEL, Primary Examiner.

R. W. JENKINS, Assistant Examiner.

1. A METHOD FOR OBTAINING A MORE UNIFORM DISTRIBUTION OF DISSIMILARTYPES OF FIBERS OVER THE CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA OF A BUNDLE OF FIBERS ATONE END WITH THE ING: SUPPORTING THE BUNDLE OF FIBERS AT ONE END WITHTHE FIBERS THEREOF LOOSELY CONFINED IN A GENERALLY UPRIGHT CONDITION;AND, IMPARTING TO THE FIBERS, ALONG THE LENGTH THEREOF, TANGENTIALFORCES IN PLANES TRANSVERSE TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXES OF THE FIBERS WHILEMAINTAINING THE FIBERS SO CONFINED, TO THEREBY OBTAIN A MORE UNIFORMDISTRIBUTION OF THE DISSIMILAR TYPES OF FIBERS.